Forensic evaluations for asylum seekers

Each year thousands of survivors of torture and other forms of persecution seek asylum in the U.S. When they apply for asylum, they often have nothing more than their own words to substantiate their suffering. Some of the most compelling evidence available-physical and psychological sequelae of torture-will go unnoticed and unheeded. Documentation by a health professional trained to identify and document the sequelae of torture can make the difference between achieving safety in the U.S. and return to future persecution. Evidence shows that asylum cases supported by forensic documentation are almost three times more likely to result in a grant of asylum than cases without such documentation.

There are far more people-including torture survivors-seeking humanitarian protection than there are physicians and psychologists who are trained to provide a forensic evaluation that can substantiate claims of torture.

Physicians for Human Rights would like to invite you to a day-long training entitled

Aiding Survivors of Torture:
Medical and Psychological Documentation of Asylum Seekers

October 24, 2009

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM

This is an excellent opportunity for health professionals to gain an introduction to working with asylum seekers, and learn about how to use your medical expertise to advance human rights and assist survivors of torture and persecution. It will also be a chance to meet and network with health professionals from a variety of different backgrounds and areas of expertise.

This course will also enhance medicine's contribution to assist the most vulnerable: those who have been subjected to human rights abuses. Trained health professionals will use their medical expertise for the common good and enhance the engagement by the medical community in assisting extremely vulnerable individuals. This course will increase health professionals' capacity to identify the physical and psychological sequelae of torture.

The training is primarily intended for board-certified and state-licensed physicians.

The Physicians for Human Rights' Asylum Network is composed of hundreds of health professionals throughout the country who provide pro bono physical and psychological examinations of asylum seekers who are survivors of torture and other traumatic human rights abuses. The written testimony that Asylum Network members provide plays a vital role in the outcome of asylum cases. Nearly 90% of the applicants evaluated by PHR volunteers have been granted asylum -- a clear signal that your help can make a difference.